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Thursday, June 17

Obamacare Wins For The 3rd Time At The Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act for the third time on Thursday, leaving in place the broad provisions of the law enacted by Congress in 2010. The vote was 7 to 2. The decision threw out the challenge to the law, on grounds that Texas and other objecting GOP-dominated states were not required to pay anything under the mandate provision and thus had no standing to bring the challenge to court. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP)

Biden to sign bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday
The United States is commemorating the end of slavery with a new federal holiday. President Joe Biden is set to sign legislation into law Thursday to make Juneteenth, or June 19, the 12th federal holiday. The House voted 415-14 on Wednesday to send the bill to Biden. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas — two months after the Confederacy had surrendered. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (Stefani Reynolds)

‘What keeps me up at night’: COVID gamma variant worries Washington state health official
Despite the recent spread globally and across Washington state of the COVID-19 variant known as delta, a different variant is keeping state epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist up at night: the gamma variant, first identified in Brazil. The gamma variant, on the other hand, is associated with higher hospitalization rates and increased breakthrough infections. The variant, also known as P.1, now accounts for 16% of the cases in Washington state and is the fastest-rising variant in the state, he said. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert)

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Associated Press
Prices may increase on Washington state ferries. Here’s how much a ride could cost now
Dead ‘murder hornet’ near Seattle is 1st found in US in 2021
Washington unemployment rate dipped to 5.3% in May
King County: COVID mask mandate to end June 29
California banned private prisons, immigrant detention centers. Will the law survive court?
This bird is named for our Mount Rainier. Here’s why scientists say it’s in danger
‘Obamacare’ survives: Supreme Court dismisses big challenge
Biden to sign bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday
Fed sees faster time frame for rate hikes as inflation rises

Bellingham Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
This is how Bellingham will celebrate Black American history and culture on Juneteenth
Did you feel it? Quake rattles near Whatcom’s border with Canada Wednesday morning
Whatcom’s weekly reported COVID case rate drops to lowest levels since early November
This is where the state’s first 2021 confirmed report of an Asian giant hornet was made
For the first time in nearly 3 months, all 7 Whatcom regions show positive COVID results
Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in the ocean
COVID reinfection is rare — but not everyone has the same risk, study finds
Symptom-free COVID patients could still become long haulers, study shows
Should COVID vaccines be required for school? Here’s what Americans said in poll

Capital Press
Looming battle: NW Washington farmers brace for water-right lawsuit that Ecology is preparing
Mystery Asian giant hornet baffles entomologists

Everett Herald
Site prep underway at contested development near Mukilteo
Dead ‘murder hornet’ found in Marysville, a first for county
Whidbey groups clash over ‘critical race theory’ in school
In Edmonds, ‘small cell’ deployment permit becomes a big deal
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Four things we can all do to keep our forward momentum
Bloomberg: Biden administration talking to China on Boeing Max approval
Comment: Summer school can aid kids’ transition to classroom
WaPo Comment: The signals in how Biden greets allies, a foe abroad
Letter: EMS, hospital workers are American heroes
Letter: It’s in interest of all that U.S. share vaccines worldwide

High Country News
The incarcerated women battling wildfires

News Tribune
No vaccination mandate for Peninsula Schools, new superintendent says. Here’s why.
Bugs found in WA’s new automated toll system. That gives you more time to plan for change
Editorial: A Pierce County city goes rogue on vaccine and mask rules. We hope others don’t follow
Newspaper carrier files $5M claim against county after run-in with Sheriff Ed Troyer
Campaign against “critical race theory” comes to South Kitsap district. Here’s how it went

New York Times
Affordable Care Act Survives Latest Supreme Court Challenge
Supreme Court Backs Catholic Agency in Case on Gay Rights and Foster Care

Olympian
Olympia hires new homeless response coordinator
Naval Base Kitsap could recoup millions in funding previously diverted for border wall
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Wednesday in Washington state
Thurston County confirms another COVID outbreak at jail as vaccination rates lag

Peninsula Daily News
Health officers: Most COVID-19 cases seen in unvaccinated people
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance

Puget Sound Business Journal
Higher ed’s biggest disruptors stand to receive billions with Pell Grant expansion
Expert view: New $2.5M fund aims to inspire colleges to pursue mergers, partnerships
Amazon puts up $100M for affordable housing near light rail stations
SBA opens Targeted EIDL Advance grant to all eligible small businesses

Runta News
City of Seattle and Sound Transit Enter New Phase of Visioning for Development at Mount Baker

Seattle Medium
Murray Introduces Bill To Double Pell Grant, Expand Eligibility To Dreamers
City Of Seattle And Sound Transit Enter New Phase Of Visioning for Development At Mount Baker

Seattle Times
‘What keeps me up at night’: COVID gamma variant worries Washington state health official
Google to pay Washington state $400,000 to settle campaign finance lawsuit

Skagit Valley Herald
La Conner schools, Swinomish tribe to reconsider mascot name

South Seattle Emerald
SPD touts ‘safe place’ hate-crimes program, but advocates skeptical
Opinion: DOC’s medical negligence and dehumanization of prisoners must end

Spokesman Review
As high-profile infrastructure talks grind along in Congress, Cantwell-led Senate panel approves separate $78 billion transportation bill
Spokane Arena mass vaccination site will close at end of day Thursday
Opinion: Dahleen Glanton: What we’re getting wrong about Juneteenth

Tri-City Herald
Hanford nuclear cleanup ‘on the cheap’ won’t work, Cantwell tells Biden’s energy secretary

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla schools Superintendent Wade Smith recognized for improved graduation rates

Washington Post
The joy of Juneteenth: America’s long and uneven march from slavery to freedom
Supreme Court dismisses ACA challenge from Trump administration, GOP-led states
Government says Friday will be a holiday for federal employees once Biden signs Juneteenth act
Justices unanimously rule for Catholic group in Philadelphia foster-care dispute
Yellen carefully navigates inflation test, challenging skeptics one more time
The quest for a pill to fight viruses gets a $3.2 billion boost
House votes to repeal 2002 authorization for military force with strong bipartisan support, White House endorsement
To Russians, Putin got what he wanted from Biden: Some ‘great power’ respect
Furor rages over FDA approval of Alzheimer’s drug

Yakima Herald Republic
Council talks about violence in Yakima; Police encourage residents to join book club
Climate change threat: Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan
17 new COVID cases in Yakima County Wednesday; state inches closer to 70% vaccine goal

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Black newspaper carrier files $5 million claim against Pierce County sheriff
Juneteenth celebrations planned in Western Washington
‘Practical work’ summit for Biden, Putin: No punches or hugs

KNKX FM
Researchers identify shellfish-killing phytoplankton behind massive summer die-offs in Puget Sound

KUOW FM
Asian Giant Hornet Carcass Found in Snohomish County
Pandemic updates for Washington state
Obamacare Wins For The 3rd Time At The Supreme Court
As Washington nears a vaccination milestone, officials urge caution and more shots
June 15th | Seattle’s pretty vaxxed – now what?

NW Public Radio
Dead Giant Hornet In Snohomish County Is First Found This Year In U.S.

Web

Crosscut
For 2020 high school grads, freshman year of college was crazy too
Podcast | Is America’s reckoning on race for real?

MyNorthwest
WA Auditor’s Office: No information ‘misused’ so far in Accellion breach
Wrongful death lawsuit filed over SPD officer’s ruse that may have led to suspect’s suicide
First Asian giant hornet of the year spotted in Snohomish County yard
State Transportation Committee proposes ferry fare change
US House passes bill to support Puget Sound restoration, recovery

West Seattle Blog
WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: New timeline for next planning milestone

Wednesday, June 16

Washington’s class of 2021 graduates with a degree in resilience
While many schools are holding adapted in-person graduation ceremonies this week — as opposed to the car parades and virtual celebrations that marked the send-off events for last year’s class — big world events throughout this past year seemed to hit the class of 2021 harder. With the coronavirus pandemic and the worldwide protests for racial justice last summer, the entire senior year of the class of 2021 has been marked by uncertainty and change. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Lindsey Wasson)

Nine years later, ‘Dreamers’ ask Congress to make citizenship a reality for DACA recipients
During a Zoom call to celebrate the nine-year anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era policy that grants undocumented citizens a temporary stay in the United Sates, DACA recipients looked to cement their time in America with one ask from Congress: citizenship. Leydy Rangel, who moderated the call held by nonprofit United Farm Workers, touched on personal experiences of the nine-year limbo of DACA, whose recipients are called “Dreamers.” Continue reading at the Spokesman Review. (Refugio Ruiz)

Highly transmissible strain causing COVID spreads in Washington state, say UW virologists
Researchers at UW Medicine’s Virology Laboratory are tracking the statewide spread of the highly transmissible coronavirus delta variant in Washington, with 170 cases detected as of Monday. The lab identifies strains of the virus through genome sequencing of positive screening tests. According to a UW Medicine post, the process identifies the strains present locally and across Washington state. Continue reading at the Seattle Times. (NIAID/NIH)

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Associated Press
Jury deciding if immigration detainees must get minimum wage
King County: COVID mask mandate to end June 29
Climate change threat: Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan
State transportation panel recommends ferry fare increase
Latinas left workforce at highest rate, see slow recovery

Bainbridge Island Review
Island Center minority report, landmark trees discussed

Bellingham Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
US COVID-19 deaths hit 600,000, equal to yearly cancer toll
Despite encouraging COVID case and hospital counts, Whatcom sees two deaths reported
COVID found in five states weeks before first cases were reported, study says

Capital Press
Asian giant hornet found in second Washington county

Columbian
Clark County Council approves $15.5 million to address homelessness
Southwest Washington voters tell redistricting panel they want competition in elections

The Daily News
Longview schools to keep virtual learning option for young students next year
State recording fees to double by July 25 to support local housing, eviction prevention

Everett Herald
Airbus-Boeing deal eases US-EU tensions but conflicts remain
State ferry fares set to rise for drivers and walk-ons
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Bloomberg Comment: Bezos’, Musk’s fight shows errors of U.S. space policy
Bloomberg Comment: What we could learn from UFO report is we don’t know
Editorial: Counting the costs of Boeing-Airbus trade battles
Letter: City of Snohomish losing experienced women staffers
Letter: For fairer representation abolish Senate and expand House

Federal Way Mirror
Upcoming events to honor Juneteenth holiday in Federal Way

High Country News
Native students fight to wear traditional regalia at graduation
Oil and gas behemoth ExxonMobil shaken by shareholders
How to live with fire

Kent Reporter
Local chambers of commerce to present PNW Economic Equity Summit (Entenman)

Mercer Island Reporter
Guest Column: Closer look at the Washington State Long Term Care Act
Juneteenth on the Island: ‘What Freedom Means to Me’

News Tribune
Chaplaincy group with ties to police charged in Manuel Ellis’ death loses city contract
Editorial: Congressional report on UFOs landing soon. Here’s why it matters to Washington state

New York Times
Why American Women Everywhere Are Delaying Motherhood
Covid Live Updates: U.S. Tourists Could Soon Travel More Freely to Europe
Title IX Protections Extend to Transgender Students, Education Dept. Says
Live Updates: Democrats Begin to Lay Groundwork for Unilateral Infrastructure Plan
White House Unveils Strategy to Combat Domestic Extremism

Olympian
Local cities organize Juneteenth celebrations for Saturday
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Tuesday in Washington state
Washington’s high-stakes cherry harvest shadowed by COVID worries
Thurston reported 1 death and 222 cases last week, but virus activity is still dropping
Veteran National Park Service employee chosen as new Mount Rainier superintendent

Peninsula Daily News
Jefferson Healthcare seeks public input
Port Townsend to receive more than $2.7 million in COVID relief
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
State, county guidance continues at facility with COVID outbreak

Puget Sound Business Journal
Here’s what’s next for Seattle’s payroll tax after failed court challenge
Rents jump for single-family homes in Seattle area, but fall for apartments
Opinion: We can bring downtown Seattle back, together
King County reaches 70% vaccinated, will drop mask mandate in 2 weeks
Tariffs suspended as ceasefire called in Boeing-Airbus subsidy battle

Renton Reporter
King County to lift indoor mask mandate on June 29

Runta News
City of Seattle and Sound Transit Enter New Phase of Visioning for Development at Mount Baker

Seattle Medium
Constantine: King County Mask Directive To End June 29

Seattle Times
Did a police officer’s lie lead a Seattle man to take his own life? Women file wrongful-death lawsuit
King County will drop mask mandate, now that it’s reached COVID vaccination benchmark
Highly transmissible strain causing COVID spreads in Washington state, say UW virologists
Senators aim to stop 144 cities — including some in Washington state — from losing identity as ‘metropolitan areas’
Inslee lauds wind-energy jobs during visit to Port of Vancouver
Oregon legalizes human composting
Seattle City Council approves bill requiring delivery apps to sign agreements with restaurants
Ferry fare increase endorsed by state transportation panel

Skagit Valley Herald
Climate change may land North Cascades bird on endangered species list
Skagit First Step Center homeless shelter opens

Snoqualmie Valley Record
King County libraries move to Phase 4 this month

South Seattle Emerald
City, county get busy spending federal ARPA relief dollars
Weekend Long Reads: What drives the cost of housing?
Collective against gun violence launched amid record year of incidents
OPA finds that SPD officers violated policy by using precincts as voting addresses
Opinion: Communities forgotten — Latinos during the pandemic
City denies permit for event commemorating the art of CHOP

Spokesman Review
The average Washington salary is $76,000? Technically, but economists say it’s complicated
Spokane marijuana retailers will hold COVID-19 vaccine clinics later this week as part of Washington’s ‘Joints for Jabs’ program
‘It’s time to bring them back’: Tribes’ canoe journey calls attention to loss of salmon, legacy of residential schools
Jubilant HollisterStier reaches deal to produce COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin for U.S., Canadian markets
Nine years later, ‘Dreamers’ ask Congress to make citizenship a reality for DACA recipients
Opinion: Shawn Vestal: Seattle CEOs propose expensive homelessness plan and a way to pay for it

Tri-City Herald
Micro or not, converting Richland motel to apartments could ease Tri-Cities rental woes
Richland linemen haven’t had a contract for 6 months. Now they’re going door to door
Tri-Cities not catching up with the rest of WA state on COVID vaccinations

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
Guest Column: Prioritizing sexual assault cases amid King County court backlog
King County leaders propose emergency funding for gun violence prevention initiative

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla schools Superintendent Wade Smith recognized for improved graduation rates
Walla Walla Valley wineries brace for challenges with Highway 12 rerouting
Walla Walla Juneteenth events set for Saturday
Plaza Way series: Barber forges beyond COVID, roundabout construction

Washington Post
Putin calls summit with Biden ‘quite constructive,’ says ambassadors will return to posts
An emboldened Biden meets an unbothered Putin
Inside Pfizer’s race to produce the world’s biggest supply of covid vaccine
Trump-era hunt for pandemic ‘lab leak’ went down many fruitless paths

Yakima Herald Republic
Labor shortage a hurdle in restaurant industry comeback — in Yakima and everywhere else
Yakima Council moves to purchase 57 new police vehicles

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Biden, Putin conclude summit between ‘two great powers’
King County mask directive set to end, vaccinations surpass 70%
Inslee says state not at 70% vaccination rate, despite CDC numbers
Calls to winners of vaccine lottery’s second round start Wednesday morning
Latest deaths at Seattle encampment have people saying city’s homelessness response needs to change
Calls to extend Seattle eviction moratorium continue to grow
State files motion asking judge to throw out lawsuits against capital gains tax
Seattle City Council OKs bill requiring delivery app/restaurant deals

KNKX FM
Tacoma arts and culture nonprofits receive $4 million in sales tax funds
Whatcom County, Department of Justice reach agreement to ensure ADA compliance
Listen: Is Washington on track to open June 30? Are variants a concern?

KUOW FM
Pandemic updates for Washington state
An Immigrant Family Moves Through Generational Trauma
This new five-day smoke forecast could help protect Washingtonians’ health
First essential, then ‘devalued’: Gig workers don’t want to return to ebb and flow of wages
What does it mean to be Asian in America? We’re listening
How ‘Chaos’ In The Shipping Industry Is Choking The Economy

KXLY (ABC)
Washington inching closer to vaccination goal, lifting most COVID-19 restrictions
‘We are going to see this through’; Gov. Inslee comments on ‘incomplete’ data on WA’s vaccination rate circulating online
Spokane Arena mass vaccination site to close Thursday

Web

Crosscut
Washington’s class of 2021 graduates with a degree in resilience
Relief slow to reach King County renters as evictions set to resume
Podcast | The Supreme Court, the Senate and saving American democracy

MyNorthwest
US House passes bill to support Puget Sound restoration, recovery
King County jury duty summons more than doubling this year
Gov. Inslee: Washington ‘staying the course,’ won’t rush reopening
King County hits vaccine milestone, will lift mask directive on June 29
Sawant mounts pressure as deadline on Seattle eviction moratorium looms
State files motion asking judge to throw out lawsuits against capital gains tax
King County unveils ‘urgent’ plan to address recent increase in gun violence
Starbucks, restaurant supply stores all facing shortages
Kenmore votes to extend eviction moratorium through September

Tuesday, June 15

Opinion: How do rainbows on flags pose a threat?
You have to wonder how a simple rectangular cloth elicits such visceral reactions. It doesn’t have any letters, stars, skulls, sickles, slogans or menacing-looking snakes. Just some bright stripes — the colors of the rainbow. But around here and across much of the rest of the country, some only see red when they look at an LGBTQ pride flag. Continue reading at The Yakima Herald. (Evan Abell)

Another smoky summer could be on Washington’s horizon
Record-breaking rainfall drenched Seattle and Olympia on Sunday. Even with the wet weather and snowpack in the Cascades about 40% deeper than normal for this time of year, western Washington could be in for a smoky summer from forest fires. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

Company drops plan for $2.3B methanol plant in Washington
A company backed by the Chinese government says it is ending its seven-year effort to build one of the world’s largest methanol plants along the Columbia River in southwestern Washington
Continue reading at The Capital Press.

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Associated Press
Schools across US brace for surge of kindergartners in fall
Airbus-Boeing deal still leaves other US-EU rifts unresolved
MacKenzie Scott, citing wealth gap, donates $2.7 billion
Winner of first $250K in state vaccine lottery claims prize
Company drops plan for $2.3B methanol plant in Washington

Bellingham Herald
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Whatcom sees smallest weekly COVID increase in 7 months, but schools report new cases
‘Delta’ likely to become dominant coronavirus variant in U.S., former FDA official said
UW Medicine study to look at COVID-19 spread in Washington state
Why getting vaccinated is so important in Whatcom County?

Capital Press
Climate change drives ESA listing for Washington bird
Deer foaming at the mouth, dropping dead in San Juan Islands

Columbian
Clark County Judge Zimmerman to retire June 30
As Washington cherry harvest builds toward summer peak, COVID challenges remain

Everett Herald
Report: Racial comments targeted Mariner basketball players
EvCC recognizes SnoCo Black Heritage Committee leader
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Harrop: Right’s real problem with Fauci is his dignity
Bloomberg Comment: Leave tax argument for later and start building
Letter: Many need to brush up on speed limits near schools
Letter: Urge Congress to protect voting, election rights

The Inlander
Will the latest round of discussion between the Spokane Police Department and communities of color be different from the others?
A year and a half after opening its Spokane Valley timber factory, Katerra suddenly shuts its doors

Kitsap Sun
What does choice mean for vaccinations?
Kitsap County to seek higher fee for developers to pay for new road capacity
Federal judge upholds decision to deny permits to expanded Belfair gravel mine
New reservoir in Port Orchard adds capacity for new development
Winner of first $250K in state vaccine lottery claims prize

News Tribune
COVID kept a Tacoma man away from the woman he loved. Now she mourns his sudden death
New Puyallup River bridge to open first lane of southbound I-5 traffic. Here’s what to know
Pierce County sees COVID’s grip loosening as vaccine takes hold
Tacoma siblings produce YouTube channel that aims to change views of Black history

The Olympian
Thurston reported 1 death and 222 cases last week, but virus activity is still dropping
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers confirmed Monday in Washington state
Olympia area Sunday downpour sets new rainfall record

Port Townsend Leader
Work still in early stages to address social justice, racism, inequity
Commissioner abandons castle idea but workforce housing pursuit persists

Puget Sound Business Journal
Puyallup plan aims to encourage wider range of housing options
Want to start a DEI initiative? Here are the first steps.
Amazon donates $1M to Seattle groups supporting communities of color
Supreme Court gives LinkedIn another shot at shielding personal data
SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund freezes some grants. But it’s still paying others.
Biden administration plots expansion of $30B Pell grant program

Seattle Times
A Seattle veterinary program helps homeless and low-income pups and people
As Washington’s high-stakes cherry harvest builds toward summer peak, COVID challenges remain
Seattle City Council approves bill requiring delivery apps to sign agreements with restaurants
Opinion: Scientists urge Biden to go big on ocean protection
Editorials: Reopen the U.S.-Canada border

Skagit Valley Herald
New program seeks to cut back on overdose deaths
New COVID-19 cases remain relatively low in Skagit County

South Seattle Emerald
Opinion: Remembering Tommy Le
Wealthy families fundraising for public schools poses troubling equity issues
Sweeps continue in Seattle: perspectives from the street

Spokesman Review
Washington heads into wildfire season with a drought and 410 blazes so far on state land
Returning to work: Some big Spokane employers plan new hybrid policies for mix of remote, onsite
Amazon poised to become a top regional employer a year after opening West Plains fulfillment center
Spokane’s homeless shelter system is evolving, but can it keep up with the need?
With increased vaccinations come increased travel plans; Here’s what to expect during a summer travel surge
Washington state’s only COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Jubilant HollisterStier in Spokane, to add 200 jobs with $92M expansion
ACLU to Seattle: Issue permit for CHOP Juneteenth celebration or risk legal action
Opinion: Spin Control: With Washington only partially open, mask protocols seem muddled

Washington Post
New emails detail Trump’s efforts to have Justice Department take up his false election-fraud claims
Biden, E.U. end 17-year Airbus-Boeing trade dispute, seek to calm relations after Trump
NIH study suggests coronavirus may have been in U.S. as early as December 2019
Biden’s domestic terrorism strategy details unprecedented focus on homegrown threats

Yakima Herald Republic
Toppenish School District started internal investigation of two staff members, but deferred to sheriff’s office
Yakima County reports 46 COVID-19 cases between Saturday and Monday
Editorial: How do rainbows on flags pose a threat?

Broadcast

KNKX FM
Federal effort would list Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan as threatened species

KUOW FM
A 3rd Dose Of COVID Vaccines May Boost Immunity For Transplant Recipients
Pandemic updates for Washington state
What King County’s first Regional Homelessness Authority wants to do differently
Another smoky summer could be on Washington’s horizon

KXLY (ABC)
Spokane City Council passes resolution to deploy $80M in COVID-19 recovery funds
Economic recovery means people on unemployment will need to look for work to keep benefits

Web

SLOG
Harris-Talley: Why King County Needs Ranked-Choice Voting
The Gita Robot Might Save Seattle’s Unloved Sidewalks
Elections Department Will Refer Two SPD Voter Registration Issues to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Monday, June 14

Washington heads into wildfire season with a drought and 410 blazes so far on state land
Every Washington wildfire season brings a reckoning with the tea leaves to get a lead on what the summer and fall might bring: snowpack levels, weather predictions, drought conditions. Right now, a widespread drought is raising fears about the months ahead. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times)

These are the issues Washington’s Native youth leaders are advocating for
Three youth leaders advocated for environmental protection, legislation to ban Native mascots and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis Friday afternoon, June 11, during the Seattle CityClub’s digital series “Civic Boot Camp,” which explores Native leadership in the Salish Sea Region. Continue reading at The Bellingham Herald. (Seattle CityClub)

Opinion: Small businesses should leverage technology on the road to recovery
For small business owners in Washington state, there is no such thing as a “new normal” amid the pandemic. As an immigrant and woman business owner, my community has always anchored me during difficult times. Building a similar sense of interconnectedness between small business owners and the ecosystem of political and economic stakeholders that support them will be essential to restoring our mutual prosperity moving forward.
Continue reading at The Puget Sound Business Journal. (Anthony Bolante)

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Associated Press
Lawsuit: ICE detained US citizen for a week in Tacoma
Schools across US brace for surge of kindergartners in fall
Ice shelf protecting Antarctic glacier is breaking up faster
Justice official resigning amid uproar over Dems’ subpoenas
Judge Pauses Loan Forgiveness Program for Farmers of Color

Auburn Reporter
Auditors find racial disparities in King County contracts
Auburn’s Community Resource Center puts social services and community court under same roof

Bellingham Herald
These are the issues Washington’s Native youth leaders are advocating for
State reports 8 new COVID-19 cases in Whatcom; Rep. DelBene offers help to Point Roberts
People, pets told to stay out of this Whatcom lake because of toxic algae
U.S. and Canada continuing discussions on how to ‘ease the rules’ along closed border

El Sol de Yakima (English available via Google Translate)
Art exhibit illustrates farmworker labor
New report addresses impact of inherited pesticides and how to remove them
Visitors decline, tourism spending in Yakima County in COVID-19 pandemic

Everett Herald
Months-long work on Highway 9 coming for Lake Stevens
HIV no longer diagnosis without hope, but so many have died
Marysville has a new public works director after long search
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glance
5 Everett residents win vaccine lottery prizes in first week
Everett nurses threaten to strike as contract talks stall
WaPo Viewpoints: We need much more discussion before we phone E.T.
WaPo Comment: Covid threat has eased but too many remain at risk
Comment: Salmon, orca can’t survive on talk and promises
Comment: How to get students caught up after our covid year
Editorial: Investment in foster youths offers path to diploma
Letter: Trump’s big lie and GOP voter suppression threats to democracy
Letter: How should words of Flynn, Greene be judged?

News Tribune
U.S. citizen with passport on him detained at Tacoma immigration facility for week, lawsuit says
COVID disrupted their year. Now thousands of Pierce County kids will be in summer school
Tacoma pumps brakes on massive residential rezoning proposal
Editorial: Tacoma doubles down on fireworks ban but won’t host July 4 show. Good law, bad timing
Why the graduates screamed, and other tales from the Covid Class of 2021

New York Times
In Congress, Republicans Shrug at Warnings of Democracy in Peril
Live Updates: Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan Leaves Democrats a Big Choice
Our Response to Climate Change Is Missing Something Big, Scientists Say
Departures of Police Officers Accelerated During a Year of Protests
Garland will meet with news executives Monday to discuss new protections for reporters.

Olympian
Thurston County’s strained election division can expand if this complex is purchased
Could your income go up by $36,000 under Biden’s proposals? Economists are skeptical
Olympia, Tumwater consider replacing city fire departments with regional fire authority

Peninsula Daily News
WHAT WE KNOW: Coronavirus outbreak at a glance
Change in tactics to tackle COVID beginning
Forks pays $333,000 to family of man shot, killed by police
State COVID-19 officials coming to Peninsula
EYE ON JEFFERSON: Board of Health to consider masking directive

Puget Sound Business Journal
Boeing down to 10 Max jets from inventory needing buyers
Seattle hasn’t lost its appeal with biotech execs — sorry Bothell
Amazon is the 800-pound gorilla of e-commerce, but some see room for competition
Roofing company fined $1.2M for safety violations
Washington STEM CEO leaving to join Gates Foundation
Opinion: Small businesses should leverage technology on the road to recovery
Daniel(le) Vasquez: Inclusive workplaces come with a living wage

Seattle Times
Edouardo Jordan, acclaimed Seattle chef, accused by 15 women of sexual misconduct or unwanted touching
Travelers can fly nonstop to 16 world destinations from Seattle — but should you? Know the COVID rules, risks
Why we must confront the history of U.S. Native boarding schools if we hope to heal
Seattle police officer killed during traffic incident on I-5
Years after the devastating ‘Blob,’ ocean conditions appear to be improving, plankton survey shows
Toothpaste and olive oil?! It’s not just housing — almost everything is expensive in Seattle
Washington heads into wildfire season with a drought and 410 blazes so far on state land (Springer)
Opinion: Washington’s COVID-19 recovery hinges on addressing chronic homelessness
Opinion: Take it away, D.C.: Let’s give our Washington a new name
Opinion: Black students overwhelmingly are not receiving the education they deserve

Skagit Valley Herald
As reopening approaches, many Skagit County restaurants are short-staffed

The Skanner
Judge Pauses Loan Forgiveness Program for Farmers of Color

Tri-City Herald
Tri-Cities chiropractor accused of stealing prescription opioids from patient
Biden administration says no to millions for Tri-Cities schools, roads
If you’re driving the speed limit, don’t feel forced to pull over and let other cars by
Biden administration says no to millions for Tri-Cities schools, roads
4 COVID deaths in Tri-Cities area. Eight outbreaks under investigation, 2 in schools
Low-income housing fears stir up hornet’s nest for Kennewick waterfront development

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Walla Walla Valley wineries brace for challenges with Highway 12 rerouting
Walla Walla High School class of 2021 walks in outdoor ceremony
The business of growing a purple paradise in Milton-Freewater
Innovation Charter School students, staff, paint downtown mural in school’s final days

Washington Post
Senate Democrats, Republicans prepare to sell nearly $1 trillion infrastructure deal to White House
Novavax’s coronavirus vaccine is 90 percent effective, study finds
After more than a decade, Israelis wake up to a government without Netanyahu
Coronavirus infections dropping where people are vaccinated, rising where they are not, Post analysis finds

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima Valley growers expect more high-quality cherries this year
Heritage University event brings in record $861,000 plus in scholarship funds
Opinion: Bipartisan broadband plan would benefit Yakima
Opinion: Hope flickers for state’s ‘joints for jabs’ program
Letter: Politics aside, firearms violence is a public health crisis
Letter: Take down the eviction ban — landlords should get paid

Broadcast

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Off-duty SPD officer killed on I-5 identity confirmed
Local home buyers facing serious competition
T-Mobile Park increases capacity for Mariners fans
Seattle Children’s starts COVID-19 vaccine trial for children 11 and under
Tacoma pumps brakes on massive residential rezoning proposal
WWGR: African American writers having ‘a moment’ in wake of George Floyd murder
DHS seeing increase in counterfeit products sold in WA during pandemic
Seattle issues provisional permit to CHOP anniversary celebration event after ACLU threatens lawsuit
Winner of first $250K in state vaccine lottery claims prize

KNKX FM
New grants give local libraries support in bridging digital divide

KUOW FM
Ice Detained a U.S. Citizen at the Tacoma Detention Center. Now He’s Suing
Novavax Says Its COVID Vaccine Is Extremely Effective
Anti-Vaccine Activists Use A Federal Database To Spread Fear About COVID Vaccines
KUOW asks Seattle: What’s one thing you’d do differently to address structural racism?
Pandemic blog: Updates for western Washington
When is the pandemic over?

Web

Crosscut
Why care for Native homeless populations in Seattle looks different
Seattle mental hospital — the third in WA — to begin construction soon (Chopp)
Opinion: Decrying ‘critical race theory’ in Washington state misses the point

MyNorthwest
‘It’s a crisis’: Local hospitals in need of blood donations
Fast-spreading virus killing deer in San Juan Islands
COVID updates: Vaccine trials underway for children under 12
‘They exploit us supremely’: How to stay safe during peak of Seattle crow season
Washington State Patrol investigating after off-duty SPD officer struck, killed on I-5
Seattle police officer struck, killed in highway accident
White Center double homicide, two victims relatives of 2020 CHOP shooting victim
Company drops plan for $2.3B methanol plant in Washington
DHS seeing increase in counterfeit products sold in WA during pandemic
5 SPD officers disciplined for potential violation of election laws

West Seattle Blog
Terminal 5’s big new cranes arrive at West Seattle’s Terminal 5

Friday, June 11

Oregon House expels GOP lawmaker who let far-right rioters into state Capitol: ‘He has shown no remorse’
In January, footage emerged showing that far-right rioters who stormed the Oregon Capitol weeks before the insurrection in D.C. had help getting in: Namely, GOP Rep. Mike Nearman, who opened a locked door for them. Nearman was criminally charged in April, but steadfastly refused to resign — even when new video released last week showed him coaching the rioters ahead of time. Now, the Oregon House has taken the unprecedented step of expelling him. Continue reading at Washington Post. (Andrew Selsky/AP)

Gambling Commission OKs pacts with tribes for sports betting
Opening day for sports betting in Washington tribal casinos edged closer Thursday when state regulators approved critical agreements with 15 tribes, including the Tulalip Tribes and the Stillaguamish. Without debate, the Washington State Gambling Commission backed amendments to each of the tribes’ gambling compacts, which spell out how wagering can be conducted in casinos as well as in adjacent hotels, conference centers and entertainment venues. Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Olivia Vanni/Herald)

Washington vaccine lottery winner says he got lucky — first, by not getting COVID-19 and then by winning $250,000

The man who won the first $250,000 prize in Washington’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery claimed his award Thursday, the Washington Lottery announced. “I got lucky,” the winner, identified as Lance R., said in a statement released by the Lottery. “Mainly, I was lucky that I didn’t get hit with COVID before the vaccines were developed and available. Millions around the world haven’t had such good luck.” Continue reading at The Seattle Times.